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HR tip: Lateness and absence caused by transport strike

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These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications.


Question:
"During a recent public transport strike, some of our employees failed to turn up for work and others arrived late. We feel that it is employees' responsibility to turn up for work regularly and on time, regardless of difficulties, so feel that we should not relax our standards. What do you think?"

HR tip:
Certainly if the strike was unexpected you should expect confusion on the first day, but thereafter employees should make reasonable efforts to attend on time. You should judge each case on its own merits. Consider the distance they have to travel, the availability of other means of travel, their age and their general state of health.

An employee who takes reasonable steps to attend should not be penalised. Others should be told what is expected of them and that disciplinary action may follow if they fail. If the strike is prolonged you may consider hiring a bus to get people to and from work, but check your insurance.

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One Response

  1. Discriminatory
    I can’t believe you are suggesting we should consider the latecomer’s age. You aren’t seriously suggesting we should discriminate on this basis and be easier on the old and stiff on limb and tough on the ultra fit youngsters?

    Come, come.

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